SEBI is likely to come out with detailed guidelines on electronic initial public offers (e-IPOs), where investors can bid for shares via internet by the end of this month.

SEBI board is to consider the final norms on e-IPOs that are finalized on the basis of suggestions received from various stakeholders on the draft placed for public comments in January. SEBI Board is also likely to consider a framework for the use of mobile applications for making bids in public.

The benefits of the e-IPO system would be:

• elimination of printing of application forms,
• help in reducing the overall cost of public issuance
• companies can reach more retail investors in small towns, easily.